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Forty-four people were injured in the wrecks, said a deputy chief with the Kutztown Fire Company, who added that 25 of them required transport to area hospitals for treatment of their injuries.

Thirteen of the victims were trapped in eight vehicles, and two of them suffered life-threatening injuries, he said.

The accidents prompted authorities to declare a "mass casualty incident," calling for multiple emergency crews to respond or stand by to assist. Area hospitals were notified to expect an influx of patients.

The Berks County Communications Center asked drivers to avoid I-78 until the wrecked vehicles could be removed and the highway cleared of any remaining snow and ice.